Published: May 22, 2025
Bartow, Fla. (May 22, 2025) – Polk County Solid Waste Division staff have launched a creative public safety campaign titled “Uninvited Guests” to raise awareness about proper disposal of hazardous household items.
The campaign features a series of short public service announcements (PSAs) highlighting four dangerous materials: lithium-ion batteries, pool chemicals, fireworks, and charcoal briquettes. When improperly disposed of, these items can ignite fires, leak toxic substances, and pose serious risks to public safety personnel, sanitation workers and the environment.
The PSAs portray these potentially hazardous materials as uninvited houseguests—unwanted, unpredictable troublemakers you’d rather not have around. Through humor and storytelling, the campaign drives home an important message: these items require careful handling and proper disposal. The four videos will be posted on social media every Thursday, one per week, starting today.
The dangers are real: lithium-ion batteries have caused numerous fires in garbage trucks and landfills, pool chemicals can trigger dangerous reactions, fireworks may spontaneously reignite, and charcoal briquettes can continue smoldering long after they appear extinguished.
Residents are encouraged to visit www.call2recycle.org to find a lithium-ion battery recycling location. Residents can also dispose of hazardous items at the Household Hazardous Waste facility, located at the North Central Landfill. Visit polkwastewise.net or call (863) 284-4319 for more information.
Let’s all do our part to kick out these unwelcome guests and keep Polk County safe. Remember—when in doubt, don’t throw them out!